The A.M. READ newsletter is a news tipsheet highlighting LGBTQ+ news and HRC updates. It covers a wide range of topics from breaking news to politics to LGBTQ+ pop culture to sports and everything in between.

THE LATEST TEA

SENATE PASSES DEFENSE BILL BLOCKING HEALTH CARE FOR TRANS YOUTH; HRC CALLS FOR BIDEN VETO: Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted to advance the FY 25 National Defense Authorization Act that includes a provision that would strip away healthcare from thousands of transgender children of military members. “I’m being told essentially, ‘Thank you for your service. We’re no longer supporting your family,” a retired Navy captain told the Washington Post. The veteran illustrated the disconnect between being trusted to fight in combat but not receiving the same trust to make medical decisions for their child. “A majority in the Senate failed those (impacted) families today, thousands of whom now face the possibility of losing access to medically necessary care,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson. “President Biden has the power to put a stop to this cruelty,” she added. “He should make good on his promises to protect LGBTQ+ Americans, defend military servicemembers and their families, and ensure this country’s politics reflect the best of who we are. President Biden must veto this bill.” 

INCOMING U.S. REP SARAH MCBRIDE DELIVERS CLOSING SPEECH TO DELAWARE SENATE: In reflective and powerful remarks yesterday, Congresswoman-Elect Sarah McBride gave an emotional farewell address to her colleagues in the Delaware Senate, where she has served since 2020. Beginning January 3rd, McBride will be making history as the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress. “Serving here for the last four years has, quite simply, been the best four years of my life,” said McBride. “I have never been more fulfilled. I have never been happier, and that is because of the people I serve… and you.” The lawmaker also drew attention to the need for unity in our current political climate. “I take with me the hope that I have found here, that despite the rancor and the toxicity that we too often see in our politics, that we do genuinely have more in common than what divides us.” Cheers to you, Sarah, and the type of leadership we all need in this moment. 

SPOTLIGHT STORY

AP — ARE YOU CATCHING HOLIDAY BLUES INSTEAD OF CHEER? HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO FIND PEACE: The holidays can be a difficult time, and whether you’re worried about money, grieving a loved one’s empty spot at the table, or preparing for difficult conversations with relatives, it’s important to take care of your mental wellbeing. For some perspectives from mental health experts, read this article from Devna Bose, and to learn more about how LGBTQ+ people specifically can access mental health resources, check our HRC’s page here.